Troy Police Department gets two new members

Two new officers sworn into city police department

TROY>> Two new members were sworn into the Troy Police Department Tuesday morning at City Hall.

Kayla Messier, 24, was pinned by her son, Javontay Reyes, 8. Messier grew up in Troy and earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Hudson Valley Community College.

She most recently worked at the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department as a corrections officer.

“I always just wanted to be a part of the community and help people out,” said Messier. “I was always a law-abiding citizen and I feel like if you have more genuine people, the community will be better.”

David Fera, 36, was pinned by his wife, Jacqueline, and joined by his children, Dawson, 5, and Syndey, 2.

Fera is a Watervliet native and now lives in Troy. He served in the United States Marine Corps and previously worked as a contractor.

“I’ve just always had respect for the job and I wanted a more challenging career,” said Fera.

“Two of the critical elements that we seek in candidates during the testing process are resolve and character,” said Police Chief John Tedesco. “Each of you have demonstrated that your lives have presented you with certain challenges, each of you have overcome those issues and persevered, and that’s why you’re standing where you are today. Your sense of resolve, your sense of character, are extraordinary.”

Tedesco said the two were chosen from a list of more than 600 candidates. He said more than 400 remained on the list, but if none were found to measure up to the standards of the department, they would not be hired.

“As the newest members of the force… You’re actually joining an incredible, dedicated professional group of individuals,” said Mayor Lou Rosamilia. “It’s all about service, going that extra mile to help someone. And as a result, you earn the trust of the community, of the individuals that serve you, that are paying your salaries… You become role models. Your life changes as you become a police officer.”

Rosamilia said he was confident both candidates would do an excellent job as they went through the academy.

City Council President Rodney Wiltshire and councilmembers Lynn Kopka and Jim Gordon were also at the ceremony.